Tuesday, October 02, 2012

R.I.P. Norty

             
                                                                     Catharsis
Norty

Res Ipsa Loquitor


I received the call last night from my sobbing daughter.  Sobbing daughter whom I couldn't readily understand, but which immediately enveloped me in a sense of dread and panic.  You know.  Eventually I understood that she was saying, "Dad, we just put Norton down." 

What?

We just put Morton down.  We were playing with the dogs and Jimmy noticed Norton's gums were all gray.  Norton seemed okay, but he took him to the vet.

After their daughter, Boxers Mabel and Norton are the dearest members of their immediate family,  It seems Norton had ruptured something internally, and it was unrepairable.  Norton was still wagging his tail while Lula-Mae held him, as the vet administered Obamacare.  It was dreadful.  I've been there; You've been there.  Might have have been a cat, a goldfish or a parakeet, but you know.  But it was not Lula-Mae, Jimi, nor the little Princess.  I feel dreadful for them; but I am also so very grateful.

Thank you God. No more calls like that in my lifetime, though.  Please.


25 comments:

Esteve said...

"Amigo" 1957-1969, I grew up with that dog and still think about him. Thanks for sharing this with us.

FishStyx said...

Amen, Rodger.
Please give them our condolences.

Anonymous said...

I have an antique daschund named Sam and he's getting close. There are fewer things in life sadder than that.
Tim

leelu said...

Condolences from me, also. Shin-wa, 1989 - 2005.

Worst Saturday of my life.

pdwalker said...

I used to think immortality would be cool, but as I got older, I realized the weight of my unhappy memories along over time would kill me. Memories like the above.

Rodger the Real King of France said...

But the memories, if their good memories, survive and live in the forefront. They're what allow you to withstand being tortured by commies.

Drew said...

Amen brother.
Prayers to them

Snoopy: 1971-1980
Buttons: 1980-1998
Jeb: 2001-2012

And yes, I own 3 more dogs now. I guess I am a glutton for punishment.

Roswell said...

"Mike", 13 great years.... when "that day" came..... I bawled like a baby!
Even now I get choked up thinking about what a great & loyal friend he was!
My condolences.....

Anonymous said...

Blackie - Mutt
Spike - Black Lab
Spike - Chocolate Lab
Skoshi - Keeshond
Brandy - Sptiz
Gimlet - Keeshond
Crystal - Toy Poodle
Pupule - Toy Poodle
Ralph - Dalmatian
and yup, there will be another to come; probably a Lab, I couldn't keep up with the energy level of another Dalmatian.

Burgie

Anonymous said...

I'm not a religous x but this gives me some comfort. Can't remember who to give credit for it.

Snooper ?-April 2011.
Got diagnosed with a tumor and was gone three weeks later. Damn it hurts.


RAINBOW BRIDGE

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Heart still hurst x

18Echo said...

Had to have my old Lab put down. The vet came to the house (good man) and KD had her head on my lap when he did it. I work at home, (like a hermit) so that dog was my constant companion for 12 years.

" I bawled like a baby!"

Yeah, me too.. There is no shame in a man crying about losing his dog. Dogs and men have a natural affinity, as it should be. The good ones share the same qualities.

There are a lot of humans I wouldn't lose a single tear for yet every time I see a dog along the road, it tugs at my heart.

Juice said...

So sorry.
Over the years you have shared the loss of your family's dogs and they are always beautiful animals, as was this one. Condolences...

Chuck Martel said...

I'll miss Chief when he's gone.

Anonymous said...

I have a toon I was going to post, but I can't find it. It shows God standing on a cloud looking down on the Earth. He turns to a nearby angel and says, "Truth be told, I'd have blown the whole place up a long time ago if it weren't for dogs." If only we could be as true and good as dogs. No wonder we love them so much.
GrinfilledCelt

Anonymous said...

There have been so many, I've always been partial to the company of dogs-the worst passing was Ethel, healthy as could be one minute when I noticed her midsection was bloating-1/2 hour later she was dead in my arms on the operating table.

Wouldn't trade the ocean of tears I've shed at their ends for anything-their love is guileless.
MM

Anonymous said...

Look at the responses and KNOW where America's heart is at!

My Current Puppy, Sadie, is a nearly two-year-old Golden Lab-mix. She is my puppy; we are her pups. We were quite a long time without the influence of a dog in our lives... we forgot what we were missing.

We have enjoyed a number of dogs over the years; each was their own Free Spirit, and each had their own special personality. Sadie is already showing that she is a Saint on Four Paws. We're going to keep her for as long as she'll have us!

Did I mention that she is a Rescue Dog? Sadie's a Mutt, but then, SO AM I!!!

El Jefe said...

Heaven is the place you go when you die and all the pets you've ever had come running up to you with smiles and tails wagging.

Anonymous said...

I have gone back and read these posts... I am in tears for the fine dogs I have known over my 60-plus years... and, ya know? NONE of them have been anything more than Street Foundlings. ALL OF THEM have been Family!

I am in tears from their memory.... G-d, I wish I could have them all back!

Anonymous said...

RODGER! I ain't been teared up this bad since Regan said "tear down this wall!"

Anonymous said...

And then there was the day in our lives when it came to us what mom and dad really meant all those times when they told us Rover, Spot, Mr. Wiggy and all the rest had "gone to live on the farm".

Anonymous said...

Peace...

sleeping giant

Anonymous said...

I always have to re-do the math when I tell this, because I still can't believe it, but my dachshund mix was 19 when we decided it was time to end the cycle of pain/not to painful times. I held her and figured that as an adult who had been a firefighter medic and seen all those hair/teeth/eyeball wrecks, and also working an ER seeing kids killed and whatnot, that I was tough. Nope. Cried like a little kid. Guess I'd had her since the age of 6, so she'd sort of imprinted a bit on me. Furry little bastards.
baboy

Alear said...

Here's the winners of the Kennel Club Dog Photographer of the Year contest. Could cheer y'all up a bit.

pdwalker said...

It does Alear.

jodi said...

Ahhhh, losing the family dog is just heart breaking. A house just isn't a home without one. Hope they heal soon and let another 4 legged friend into their hearts.

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